Bridge Construction Blamed For I-74 Semi Crash

A semi hauling roof shingles overturned in the median of Interstate 74 near St. Leon after a large piece of concrete fell from an overpass that is under construction. Photo by Justin Griffin.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) – Troopers are crediting a truck driver’s use of his seatbelt with possibly saving his life.

Indiana State Police say a semi hauling a flatbed loaded with roof shingles was heading westbound on Interstate 74 operated by Mark A. Troyer, 58, of Middlebury, Indiana. As the semi passed beneath the State Road 46 bridge near the 162 mile marker, a large piece of concrete approximately two cubic feet in size fell from the bridge.

INDOT contracted crews recently began a bridge reconstruction project on that overpass. ISP Sgt. Noel Houze said it is believed the concrete became dislodged as heavy machinery was in use on the bridge.

Troyer was unable to avoid impact with the concrete and struck it head on. After impact, the semi traveled into the median where it overturned.

Troyer was fortunate to suffer only a slight leg injury.

“Thanks in large part to seat belt use, Mr. Troyer only suffered a minor injury,” said ISP Trooper Randel Miller.

Interstate 74 was shut down both eastbound and westbound at the accident scene for a couple of hours while crews worked to clear the wreck.

State police were assisted by the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department, St. Leon Fire Department, and Sunman EMS.